Milena Saqui Salces

Milena Saqui Salces is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Her work bridges academic leadership, teaching, and research in animal and nutritional sciences.

Research Interests: Her research focuses on gastrointestinal physiology, particularly how dietary components influence intestinal function. She employs both in vivo and in vitro models to study nutrient effects on epithelial cell composition, immune response, hormone secretion, and nutrient transporters. Her lab uses swine models and enteroids (intestinal organoids or 'mini-guts') to explore dietary fiber, zinc sources, diet viscosity, and bacterial pathogens such as Lawsonia intracellularis.

Dr. Saqui Salces is a member of the Integrated Animal Systems Biology team, emphasizing collaborative, systems-level research. She teaches key courses including research proposal development (CFAN 3091V, ANSC 5091), Nutritional Physiology (ANSC 5626/NUTR 5626), and honors thesis courses (HCOL 3101H, 3102H), reflecting her commitment to graduate and honors education.

Scientific Awards:

• Above and Beyond Award, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota (2019)
• Award for Faculty Contribution to Honors Education (2018)
• Team Achievement Award, Animal Systems Biology Team (2017)
• Poster of Distinction, Digestive Diseases Week (2009) - IL-1b induces specific gastric mucous cell differentiation and proliferation
• Poster of Distinction, Digestive Diseases Week (2009) - Gastric epithelial cell express primary cilia
• Canifarma Award to Clinical Research, Mexico (2007)
• PhD graduated with Honor mention, UNAM (2006)

Advising and Grants: While specific advisees and grants are not listed, Dr. Saqui Salces plays a significant role in mentoring honors students through thesis development and writing. Her leadership as Associate Dean reflects deep involvement in graduate research programs. She is actively engaged in externally recognized research, as evidenced by multiple awards and ongoing studies in diet-gut interactions.

Labs and Teams: She leads a research laboratory focused on gastrointestinal physiology and is an integral member of the Integrated Animal Systems Biology team, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in animal science research.